Here is our new lyric video for "Awakening The Forest", created by Wil Henry at TMR Band Services. We're so happy with the beautiful job that Wil has done, he has captured our love of nature and lyrical themes perfectly! Thanks to Peter Keevil also at TMR, and Doom Metal Front Magazine for premiering it.

Being in a band can play havoc with your memory bank, so every year we do this Year in Review to remind ourselves of the amazing times we have had. We also do it to thank everyone who has supported us, it's not possible to thank everyone but we hope you realise how much we appreciate all of you.This is our third year in review and last December "when we wrote our first Year in Review, we stated that 'in our 6 year history, this year has been our best', well we topped that this year!" Well, guess what? We topped it again. We recorded our third album "Awakening the Forest" which was our first for Napalm Records, we toured the UK in May / June and Europe in October, made our first music video, had amazing press support, played with some world class bands, visited new countries, met tonnes of amazing people, released and then sold out of our 2010 debut album "Call of Avernus" tape cassette, and signed re-release deals for "Call of Avernus" and "White Hoarhound". We would like to thank everyone who came to our gigs, bought something with our name on it, wrote about us, and told their friends about us. Thanks to these people in particular for the dedication and support given to us this year (and some, since the beginning!), if we've missed anyone we're really sorry, it's impossible to thank everyone:

In 2015 we will re-release "Call of Avernus" and "White Hoarhound" on PRC Music, and will announce various UK and European gigs and festivals. Merry Christmas, and here's to a happy new year - these were our most popular blog posts of 2014...

The whole female fronted doom/occult rock format has reached saturation point in recent years, with it becoming more and more difficult to isolate the more credible bands with some actual decent songwriting talent amidst the scores of pretenders. Birmingham’s Alunah have been kicking around on the doom scene since 2008, but up until now have escaped my radar. Third album Awakening the Forest follows on from their 2010 debut, Call of Avernus, and the apparently very well received sophomore effort, White Hoarhound (2012). Well I certainly have some catching up to do if their previous albums can reach anywhere near the colossal quality of Awakening the Forest. Alunah craft a fresh and distinctly modern sound that pays healthy respects to the forefathers of doom, from the bluesy hues of early Black Sabbath to the crushing riffage of Cathedral. Throw in some contemporary doom, psychedelic rock and stoner influences and you have the basic blueprint for the weighty sound Alunah creates.

Alunah’s hazy, stoned-out psychedelic combo forms a masterful slab of earthy modern doom, rich in songwriting dynamics and featuring some of the downright catchiest vocal hooks and melodies I’ve had the pleasure of hearing on a heavy album this year. Soph Day is not merely a decorative, pleasant ornament for the band to play behind. She takes control of each song, her smoky pipes offering an engaging blend of emotion, grit and soulfulness. Importantly, the rest of the band are no slouches in the instrumental or songwriting departments either. They collectively lay down a powerful and diverse platform, led by the fuzzy heavy riffs and melodic leads of both Soph Day and fellow guitarist Dave Day. Meanwhile the strong rhythm section of Dan Burchmore (bass) and Jake Mason (drums) deliver a powerhouse mix of inventive playing and dependable anchorage. Delivered within hefty time capsules, each song forms a distinctive part of the greater journey of epic, doomy blissfulness. The songs travel at a relaxed pace while never becoming too plodding, offering enough interesting musical ideas, hooky songwriting and subtle dynamic shifts to comfortably carry the weighty song lengths and plodding tempos. Alunah’s earthy jams and playful musicianship lends the album plenty of character, avoiding self-indulgent meandering and staying grounded within the context of the songs.

The overall tone might sway on the side of melancholy, but Awakening the Forest is far from being a depressive or oppressive doom experience. In fact the overall accessibility of the material, which thankfully doesn’t diminish the ample heaviness on display, should find a broad audience while still satiating the tastes of doom aficionados. Opener “Bricket Wood Coven” seduces from the get-go, casting an enchanting spell through its crushingly heavy slow riffs, bluesy swagger and compelling vocal melodies. Around the five minute mark some killer laidback jamming ensues before climaxing in a satisfyingly heavy manner. “Heavy Bough”, by comparison with the opener and much of the remainder of the album, is quite an uptempo heavy rocker loaded with strong riffs, groovy basslines and a highly addictive chorus that you’ll likely be humming for days. Meanwhile, the darker languid dirge of the title track features some beguiling guitar melodies that are beautifully thickened and accentuated by the weighty bass and another fine vocal performance.

Awakening the Forest maintains its memorable high songwriting standard from start to finish, culminating in the patient, heart wrenching balladry of epic closer, “The Summerland”. Aside from the obvious strengths in songwriting and craftsmanship, Awakening the Forest is also very well equipped on the production front. The guitars sound huge, clear and crunchy; the bass adds a thick cushion of sonic heft, while the organic sounding drums are punchy but unobtrusive. Bookended by mammoth releases from Pallbearer and YOB, 2014 has been more of a case of quality over quantity on the doom front. You can now add Awakening the Forest to the shortlist of standout doom albums to drop this year, with Alunah delivering a top notch album of hefty sonic fuzz and irresistible hooks that deserves to be heard.

It’s that time of year again! With 2014 coming to a close, we look back on the metal songs which impacted our ears since Jan. 1. For this list, we’re taking into account fan response, songwriting prowess, popularity, creative progression, technical ability and many more dynamics. After a year’s worth of thought, listening to everything we can get our hands on and keeping our ears to the ground, we give you our choices for the 20 Best Metal Songs of 2014!

Judas Priest: "Halls of Valhalla"

Behemoth: "Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer"

Mastodon: "Chimes at Midnight"

Slipknot: "The Negative One"

Overkill: "Armorist"

Insomnium: "While We Sleep"

Exodus: "Salt The Wound"

Septicflesh: "Order of Dracul"

Cynic: "True Halluncination Speak"

Opeth: "Cusp of Eternity"

Arch Enemy: "War Eternal"

Triptykon: "Boleskine House"

Agalloch: "Celestial Effigy"

With Our Arms to the Sun: "Tessellation"

Vader: "Triumph of Death"

Steel Panther: "Gloryhole"

Goatwhore: "Baring Teeth For Revolt"

Slayer: "Implode"

Down: "We Knew Him Well"

Alunah: "Heavy Bough"

British doom act Alunah released the killer 'Awakening the Forest' album this year, led by the track 'Heavy Bough.' The piece of doom psychedelia is a slow burn which becomes increasingly hypnotic as frontwoman Soph Day begins her calm vocal approach. The rest of 'Heavy Bough' is carried by a solid instrumental foundation reminiscent of classic Black Sabbath, though the song consistently maintains its own identity.

Fall seems to be a good season for doom metal, as UK’s Alunah have released their newest effort, “Awakening the Forest”, at the beginning of October. The band follows the direction set with “White Hoarhound”, greatly polishing their path in the process. Alunah managed to reach a good balance between defining their own style and keeping close to the roots of traditional stoner doom at the same time.

They are able to create a heavy atmosphere even with simple means, as the bass-lead crescendo from the opener “Bricket Wood Coven” shows. Soph Day’s vocals go hand in hand with the instruments, never taking over. Her voice is steady and elusive at once, delivering the lyrics with ease. The lyrical themes are obscure and intriguing, taking inspiration from ancient English traditions, legends and celebrations from the Middle Ages. They are supported by a matching arrangement that keeps dark tones and a slow, almost ritualistic pace. There are exceptions, like the first single, “Heavy Bough”, where the rhythm seamlessly shift into groovier sounds, when needed. The eerie, intertwining vocal lines in the following title track set off one of the most noteworthy songs of this release, showcasing a wide range of emotions. “The Mask of Herne” is a great example of how Alunah implemented different moods and energies into one piece. Another inspired moment is the second half “The Scourge and the Kiss”, especially its solo, bursting in the outro. The bonus track, “The Summerland”, is an emotional, gloomy ballad and one of the most interesting songs Alunah provides in an already strong album.

The sound, rough and sometimes a bit distant, fits really well with the overall musical setting. The album is homogeneous and well-structured, offering a variety of different moments even throughout a single song. Alunah is able to build tension and a growing expectation in the listener, who can do nothing but wait for the songs to unfold, note after note. “Awakening the Forest” is definitely an achievement for the English band, who proved their worth with this mesmerizing release.

Alunah deliver a superior brand of tree-marrying, mushroom-juggling mystic misery from the midst of England’s darkest and most haunted forests. The becloaked Soph Day’s beautiful tones and liquid melodies have won these UK traditional doomers an army of devotees and an opportunity at a big label.

On this, Alunah’s debut with Napalm Records, Day’s unhurried and elegant vocal delivery is strong, inventive and completely captivating. The slow, dense guitars act as a stage for her eloquence, which can turn even a perfunctory Saint Vitus-style riff into a warm and soothing ray of sunshine.

‘Awakening The Forest’ is a natural step forward from 2012’s highly-acclaimed release ‘White Hoarhound’. Natural in that they continue their thematic adherence to the natural world as well as the spirit world, and natural too in the organic feel of the songs’ composition.

Tracks such as the immense, rumbling ‘Heavy Bough’ soar to great heights, their unabashed simplicity adorned with sweet vocal decoration and satisfyingly gigantic choruses. And while some songs do rely heavily on Day’s vocal input, there are also killer stoner riffs that stand up for themselves and build into a hugely consistent and satisfying album.

‘Awakening The Forest’ is more mature and more memorable than Alunah’s previous work. It is an album of accomplished, blossoming songwriting and meaty doom metal hooks.

The languid guitars intertwine like the roots of an ancient elm and the supremely tight rhythm section pounds and groans like the heartbeat of a forest. And while the band joyfully drive their steamroller through the woods and glades of their homeland, there is also a faint echo from an American desert as the gentle influence of Kyuss drifts through to underpin their hypnotising groove.

‘Awakening The Forest’ brings together psychedelic, stoner and traditional doom metal in an effortless and winning style. It’s a well-constructed and expertly produced album that places Alunah at the forefront of British doom. 8/10

In my book, there are two kinds of doom. There’s the long, drawn out, over-the-top doom that just makes me want to sleep, and then there’s bands like Alunah. Fusing Sabbath-style riffage with catchy hooks and almost-pop structures drawn out over typically 6- to 8-minute songs, Alunah’s Awakening The Forest is everything I like about riffy doom. Female vocals in metal are a really divisive element. In my opinion, a lot of bands are happy to settle with cliché, predictable melodies, usually over just a bassline before breaking into a big melodic chorus. Alunah have no such issues. Soph Day’s beautifully haunting tones ring out across the classically crushing doom, creating the sensation of floating through a dark forest, surrounded by mother nature’s dark beauty.

The album has a very classic sounding production which isn’t generally my kind of thing, but on reflection, the record hasn’t been made to be in your face, it’s definitely a more atmospheric listen. Single ‘Heavy Bough’ is probably the weakest track, a bit too much Black Sabbath worship in places for me, and yet still had me singing along with the chorus. What follows is the title track, one of the best examples of modern doom around with easily the best chorus I’ve heard in months. ‘Scourge And The Kiss’ has a subtle, laid-back groove that builds to a crushing outro riff, another example of Alunah’s masterful use of texture on the album. Alunah have outdone themselves with this record and it brings with it the promise of a long career writing slow songs for people that like drugs… in the best possible way.

A shrill sound like a distant light in the dark, which is always bright and flash now opened the third album of the Doommetaller from Birmingham.

Then the sound carpet is rolled out, leading with "Bricket Wood coven" .to a goal. Powerful and sometimes a little scary to drive you Dave Day (guitar), Dan Burchmore (bass), Jake Mason (drums), until this "golden door". You verspürst the urge to open it, but at the moment where you would like to learn what's behind it, a voice will sound that makes you hesitate. Soph Day (vocals, guitar), the frontwoman of Alunah manages to give a rollercoaster of emotions with your voice you. Although it is often painful, and pleading sounds creates it to win with the first note you your confidence by the hand, and you can not now go. Together you'll open in another world with Alunah this "brick wood" from heavy gate.

Threatening darkness buzzing around you and with "Heavy Bough" drill the 4 from Birmingham a really thick board. The "heavy road" is the only connection to the other side about the mystical Doomfluß. Even if the Solis describe the second title the seething Unknown under you, you have the path alone dare to open on the other side another massive wooden door. Now here you years of accession together with Soph the forest.The black is gray and the environment immersed in a mystical green. Now it is up to you to awaken together with the creatures of the forest this area to life. Again, give Dan, Dave and Jake at this time to weave your best a tapestry of sound that still sounds in "awakening the forest" gloomy, but is becoming more familiar and almost siren-like interpretation of the title can feel you like the forest in front of your "mind's eye" awakened. In "The mask of herne" Soph describes impressive as the guardian of the old park was his time being chased by the hunters and revived by Alchemy. The essence with the mighty antlers and the red coat was born.

With "Sourge and the kiss" it is then also the mystical dark finals of the silver disc. The "Black Priestess" symbolizes the power of the new. Musically you can bring the opposites of the title barely over better. The interplay between guitar and bass, which then merges. And when Soph tries with soothing but always certain voice against this musical tackle "violence", also bass guitar and settle down at the end again! BRILLIANT."The Summerland" comes to us then quite different in the ears and the brain. Quiet start and a surprising Soph in a pleading voice of an angel fliest you directly under the skin and in your conscience! "When I go over the meat and the bones of the earth, I will look into the sun ... the battle is won."

"Awakening the forest" Is a Doomalbum the class. Alunahs sound like a big black bird of the sun appears to us darkened and looks down on us and proclaimed the downfall. Only now and you can actually see the sun. The pefekte use of instruments with the multi-faceted voice of Soph geparrt, take with you in the apocalypse of our planet. But be careful, if you once you willing to contend with 4 out of Birmingham you do not let yourself go. I would like to compare this album with classical Impressionists such as Mussorski and Ravel. In her rather brutal, gloomy genre it Alunah create the content of this album concerns pefekt to paint musical pictures that bring the listener on a roller coaster of emotions. Interestingly, the open end for me. We ourselves have it what happens in hand with our planet. We sharpen our feelings again for the essential in life.Conclusion: The Doomgemeinde has found your Queen. Soph Day and your colleagues were of Napalm Records sent into the arena to the scene to vigorously mix on top and play with.

Alunah will be re-releasing their sold out debut album 'Call of Avernus' (2010) and their second album 'White Hoarhound' (2012) on CD via PRC Music Canada in 2015.

The sold out debut album, originally released by Catacomb Records in 2010, will be re-released on 7th April 2015 with new artwork (see photo on left - click to enlarge), designed by Alunah's Sophie Day and themed to reflect the lyrics.

The 'White Hoarhound' CD was originally released on the now defunct PsycheDOOMelic Records in 2012, on vinyl via Napalm Records in 2013 (now also sold out), and received rave reviews. The band sold out of copies during their recent European tour, and only a handful of copies remain in existence. The CD re-release will also have new artwork, and will be out in the latter part of 2015.

The guys who run PRC have been releasing music for over 20 years, and are not only passionate music fans, but experienced professionals. They originally contacted us regarding 'Call of Avernus' and after some lengthy conversations we knew they were the right company to work with. More recently PRC spoke to us about 'White Hoarhound', and as passionate Alunah fans who want to spread our music far and wide, we were very happy to agree to another re-release. This doesn't affect our album deal with Napalm Records regarding our new recordings going forward, but simply enriches the ever-growing Alunah treeSophie Day, Alunah

Both albums will have official in-store distribution via PRC's partners throughout USA, Canada and Brazil, and limited copies will also be available from the official Alunah store (worldwide postage). PRC will be releasing 'Call of Avernus' pre-order details shortly, and these orders will be shipped in advance. PRC Music have a wide range of metal titles available, including doom bands such as Among Gods, Ice Dragon, Clorange and Krownn.

Is there a doom band that sounds dreamier than Alunah? That’s a big reason I love this English band: they play heavy music rooted in the tradition of Saint Vitus, but the focus isn’t so much on brute force but grace. The songs don’t plod and thud. They glide and swing, the guitars enveloping rather than crushing. By the time the tender singing of guitarist Sophie Day enters the fray, that’s it: you’re entranced. The songwriting as always been good, but this third album is a step up from 2012’s White Hoarhound, the melodies much more confident, the use of dynamics stronger, especially on such tracks as “Bricket Wood Coven” and “Heavy Bough”

For the third time, ALUNAH spread wide their mighty Doom wings: Following up their exceptional previous albums CALL OF AVERNUS (2010) and WHITE HOARHOUND (2012), the International Doom community will be tied up again by this latest offering on the mighty Napalm label. The English quartet featuring singer Sophie Day, forges forward with hard guitars, pumping heavy grooves and a sound to make fans of this genre get shall we say, rather excited. Featuring six tracks that run in at well over 40 minutes, the album kicks off how it means to go on. The opener is stoner heaven - the 8 minute plus 'Bricket Wood Coven', kinda takes me back to the early Sabbath era (but with a female vocalist this time), certainly a retrospective feel to the music here. And that is the way it carries on - next up 'Heavy Bough' maintains that similar sound, a slightly more up tempo number than the opener, but still with that 70s Sabbath feel. The doom laden title track runs in at over 7 minutes while 4th track in 'The Mask Of Herne', maintains that mid tempo sludgy texture. 'Scourge and the Kiss' and the rather nice 'The Summerland' total close on 18 minutes between them and end this trippy, stoner doom album. I am the first to admit that this cd would not normally be my cuppa tea, but it is a great piece of Doom Metal, and so it should be, didn't we invent it? The album gets released in October, so check it out....

Six pieces: six long tracks, stuffed with twists and turns, which travels with caution and care, including the darkest and disturbing passages sometimes open into clearings identified, but often in the hearth of the Devil.

Third album from the quartet ALUNAH , formed in 2008 in Birmingham, England, "Awakening The Forest" is a delicate balance between certainty dealt out by his guitars and doubts and nuances instilled by the voice of Sophie Day. If unfortunately the second you astray at times, ruthlessness riffs will get you back on the tortuous path: the shadowed by the inevitable father figure of BLACK SABBATH, but where, when the forest is awakened, we can cross the minds of Mike Oldfield tortured or Carlos Santana, spectra Dodgers ALAN PARSONS PROJECT or METALLICA or poltergeists Marilyn Manson, Trent Reznor of or even Adele.

"The Summerland" which closes the album, is particularly emblematic in this respect: starting in an atmosphere where we imagine the "Mexican Moon" CONCRETE BLONDE piercing through the tops of giant sequoias millennia, after a confusing transition on a path almost soft-pop and downright ethereal piece reveals first guitar solo of infinite majesty, so climb Golgotha ​​but even more class and then a monstrous riff worthy of the forges of all Hells - level "No Quarter" and "Snowblind". And there, a bit like a given in a novel by Houellebecq moment everything makes sense.

Is "Awakening The Forest" is therefore probably not free of imperfections, but it is a powerful and rich album, inspirations, sometimes transparent, serve a generous work, very endearing, and probably more accessible than those of many other groups occupying the neighborhoods of Doom Mr. and Mrs. Psyche. Finally, in cherry wood, French audiences will see at least a few excerpts, previews, at the of passing ALUNAH at Divan du Monde in Paris, October 3 (with Kamel and THE LONELY ORDER OF Israfel).

"ALUNAH originally known as the British band led by vocalist Sophie Day decided to change the name to ALUNAH a couple of years after its creation. Well, after that they have released a demo, an EP, a split and three studio albums, the last one entitled "Awakening the Forest" and released through the label Napalm Records. The seventies flavour of the issue can be seen through some psychedelic chords that introduce a colorful appreciated in a dark musical pattern. The slow rhythm of this work that combines Doom Metal and Stoner makes you have to enjoy every track calmly and quietly, savoring every second as if it were your last . The high level of Groove, rocker solos and singing style as retro Sophie, completes a remarkable work which as I said before, you should taste calmly and without haste. Rating : 8/10"

a) Who r the guys in the band - different characters? I’m (Soph Day) the vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Dave (Day) is our lead guitarist, Dan (Burchmore) is our bassist and Jake (Mason) our drummer.

b) Your favorite bands / musiciansMy favourite band is The Doors. I also love Big Brother and The Holding Company and Janis Joplin’s solo material, Hexvessel, Ahab, Jex Thoth, Nick Drake, BB King… all kinds of different things there.

c) What kinda music do u really hate?I’m not a fan of power or symphonic metal.d) Which records would u take to a lonely isle here u only have a cd player? Portishead’s back catalogue, “The Giant” by Ahab, “Cheap Thrills” by Big Brother and The Holding Company, “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” by Black Sabbath, “Morrison Hotel” by The Doors and “No Holier Temple” by Hexvessel. I could go on and on…

e) What else would u need? Family photographs, contact lenses, a guitar, paper and a pen. I’m vegetarian but I reckon I’ll have to learn to eat meat and fish too…

f) Funniest tour experience?DeserFest Berlin was perhaps the best time we had on our last tour. We had quite an early slot, so spent the time afterwards drinking - some of us more than others. We spent the evening with members of various well known bands, spoiling the well behaved reputation we have built up haha.g) Worst or most embaressing situations? I think the worst involved a public toilet in a Polish hostel, and two men – one defecating in a shower, and the other masturbating into a urinal. As you can imagine, I made a hasty exit. Grim.

h) Best concert u´ve ever seen?That’s a difficult one. I went to see The Doors twice when they reformed with Ian Astbury on vocals, and both times were amazing. I’ve seen Sabbath a few times, but their last Birmingham gig was incredible. Soundgarden at Download Festival is also up there with one of my favourite gigs. The Kyuss reform gig was also amazing. However, I’m generally not a fan of big gigs, some of the best gigs I’ve attended was in pubs back in the late ‘90s, early ‘00s when I first got into this type of music - watching Mastodon, High on Fire, Orange Goblin, Sixty Watt Shaman, Spiritual Beggars, Nebula, Truckfighters, Brant Bjork etc in tiny rooms was awesome.

i) Best newcomerband?I’m not really aware of many new bands that are coming up, but our friends’ new band Ki are very cool, some of the guys used to be in Moghul. Also, they’re not really a new band but I really enjoyed Monolith Cult’s debut album “Run from the Light”.

j) Nicest holiday?My honeymoon in New Orleans and Memphis was easily the best and coolest holiday I’ve ever been on.k) Happy about...My life at the moment. I have a great husband and family, brilliant friends, a job I enjoy, a band I’m loving being in and generally having great experiences.

l) Disappointed about... I’m not really disappointed in anything, but I wish my dad could be here so he could hear the new album and share the experiences with me. He passed away just after “White Hoarhound”, so he got to hear that album.

m) Where did u grow up?Brownhills, West Midlands, England – 12 miles North of Birmingham.

n) Favorite food?I absolutely love Indian and Moroccan dishes.

o) Can u cook?Yeah, I love cooking. I cook a lot of dishes from scratch, and like experimenting with different cuisines. I’m vegetarian but I don’t mind cooking meat for people.

p) Your idols, influences?My parents and nan are my idols. They brought me up well, and gave me lots of amazing opportunities. q) How was school? I loved school, without it I wouldn’t have been able to go to university – which were some of the best days of my life.

r) Still have “normal” jobs?Yes, we all work full time alongside the band.

s) What are the most important things in life?My family, friends and dog are the most important things in my life. Alunah is also very important to me, as it allows a creative outlet and a break from the mundane. Getting the balance right between family/friends and the band is also important.

t) Would u be a good politician?No, neither would I want to be.

u) Any bad habits?I tend to talk over people too much, rather than listen to their full sentence. I’ve noticed it since doing video interviews, so I consciously try to avoid this now.

v) Does your family support your musical success?Yes, they’re great. All of our parents and siblings attend our gigs, Jake’s parents are perhaps our biggest fans. w) Do u believe in god?I don’t believe in the heavenly god, but I do believe there’s something else - I haven’t figured out what it is yet though. I have an A-Level in religious studies where my main subjects were Buddhism and Old Testament. I’ve read various Pagan, Christian, Satanic and Buddhist texts in depth - religion interests me, but I’m not someone who practices anything, or attends church.x) In what else do u believe? I believe in the power and beauty of nature, and I believe in myself. You can’t really deny either of those.

y) What is most important 4 u?Family, friends, my dog and my band. If I have those, I’m happy.

z) Last statement?Thank you to everyone who has supported Alunah, I hope you enjoy the new album. Remember, we are merely hairs on the bollock of the world!

The Obelisk have always supported Alunah, and for that reason we're glad that Napalm Records chose them to premiere our video track "Heavy Bough". JJ also wrote some very kind words about the album (below).

The video is coming very soon, but in the meantime you can listen to it here >>

"I don’t mind telling you I’ve been waiting for Alunah‘s new album for what feels like I really long time. The reality of the situation is that the Birmingham four-piece’s third offering and Napalm Records debut, Awakening the Forest, arrives just two years after their previous full-length, White Hoarhound, but as I’ve continued to enjoy that record since first hearing it, my affection for it only growing with the passing months, it seems much longer. I’m not sure what my ideal follow-up to White Hoarhound would’ve sounded like - or, more to the point, I can’t think of a way in which Awakening the Forest isn’t it.

For those who, like me, were fans of the last one or of 2010′s Call of Avernus before that, the riffs of Dave and Soph Day retain their bounce, and new bassist Dan Burchmore falls in step thickly with drummer Jake Mason to craft a lumbering but still nod-ready groove. At the same time, there’s clear progression evident. The band is more patient, the pieces that make up the memorable six songs more languid. In general, they sound like they’ve been working since White Hoarhound came out, which of course is precisely the case whether one thinks in the sense of getting on the road for shows or bringing in Burchmore and solidifying their lineup. Alunah come across as more comfortable with their psychedelic side - fitting for their consistently pastoral thematic - but Awakening the Forest presents some of their most doomed material as well.

To wit, the rollout of “Heavy Bough.” At just under six minutes, it’s among the shortest songs on Awakening the Forest (only “The Mask of Herne” is shorter, and by five seconds), and marked out by the lead and rhythm interplay of Soph and Dave‘s guitars as well as Soph‘s riff-riding verse and more open chorus. On an album full of hooks, “Heavy Bough” stands out for its nature worship and for its still-grounded take, sandwiched between the more ethereal opener “Bricket Wood Coven” and the side A finale title-track, but if it’s the first you’re hearing of the album, then its primary function will be to remind of just how easily an Alunah track can get stuck in your head. If this is your first experience with the band, all the better you’ve found them at this moment."

We are pleased to announce that our forthcoming album will be titled "Awakening The Forest", and is due for worldwide release in early October.

"We are delighted to introduce our 3rd album "Awakening The Forest" to our old, new and future friends. Recorded by Greg Chandler and mixed/mastered by Tony Reed, we are extremely proud of this album. We are also very lucky to have worked with the exceptional illustrator Michael Cowell who brought our songs to life visually in the CD and LP package. Napalm Records have been very supportive of us throughout the whole process, and we hope that you guys love the album as much as we do. Our video for "Heavy Bough" and also a short film with Michael talking about the artwork are coming soon; both shot and directed by Rhodri Thomas at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire, England" - Soph Day

"For the third time Alunah spread wide their mighty Doom wings: Following up their exceptional previous albums Call of Avernus (2010) and White Hoarhound (2012), the International Doom community will be tied up again by Awakening The Forest. The English quartet featuring singer Sophie Day forges forward with hard guitars, pumping heavy grooves and a sound to make fans of this genre, fans of this album Awakening The Forest!" - Napalm Records